Thanksgiving

We just got back from a super-fun road trip over Thanksgiving break. 

First stop: Davenport on Thanksgiving morning. Here are the kids showing off the turkey cookies we brought, which were a big hit!

The three Cavanagh cousins carrying on the tradition of making the Heavenly Hash. We spent the day eating, relaxing, watching football, and eating even more. We then got in the car and drove 7.5 hours to Duluth, where we immediately went to sleep. 

 The next morning we got to meet cousin Reed, who is the sweetest baby ever. Both kids loved holding him...so much so that we had to set a timer for everyone (including me), so that we all got equal cuddle time. 

 Both Jason & I got to slip away for a morning run, which was beautiful and not as cold as we were thinking it would be so far north in late November!

 We then checked into the water park in town and the kids spent tons of time doing the monkey bars, enjoying the lazy river, playing water basketball, and relaxing in the hot tub. 

 While the kids were playing, I got to enjoy a delicious lunch with this cutie, who slept through the whole date.  

 That night, Aunt Angela took us to an amazing light display, where we walked through over 4 million lights next to Lake Superior. The night wasn't too cold and the kids had so much fun seeing the lights, eating cookies and popcorn and drinking hot chocolate. It was the best!

 The next morning we went over for some last cuddles, and then headed home, via the Mall of America where we made a quick stop to stretch our legs and pick out Lego sets. 

 It was a whirlwind trip, covering just over 1,000 miles in three days, and we had an absolute blast. We are so thankful for our sweet family, new adventures, and baby cuddles. 

Lately

Where did October go?? The weather has been absolutely fabulous, so we have been trying to soak it all up before winter hits. 

Annual trip to Palisades Park for a day with the Cavanaghs. 

 Sweet cousin Evan was worn out. 

 I ran the Des Moines 1/2 with two friends. The morning was unusually warm & super foggy. It was a fun & challenging 13.1 miles!

 Fall trail runs are my favorite. 

 A work golf outing. Having never golfed in my life, I wasn't sure how I would do with 18 holes, but it was so much fun! I am no Tiger, but it was a great way to spend a Saturday. 

 Andrew asleep inside my pillow. 

 Kate started basketball. She is one of only two third graders on a fourth grade team and is quite small compared to the other girls, but she has been having a great time. So proud of her for trying something new!

 Andrew & I played checkers with woodchips during her practice. 

 The best way to spend a fall afternoon. 

 All of a sudden we are doing long devision. It has reminded me why I'm not a math teacher, but Kate is doing great with it. 

And...THE CUBS WON THE WORLD SERIES!!! Much of October was filled with late nights, riding the emotional roller coaster that lead up to this. On Wednesday night after a blown lead, a rain delay, extra innings, me pacing barefoot on the patio and muttering Hail Marys like a crazy person, they got the final out in the final game right before midnight. It was the best. 

Octobers are always one of my favorite months of the year, and this one certainly didn't disappoint!

Halloween

We had such a great Halloween this year! Here we do trick or treating on the 30th and as this was a Sunday, we had a whole day to have fun. 

Carving pumpkins. 

 Our neighbors then invited us over for pizza before we went out, which was lots of fun. This year we had a Stormtrooper...

 and Rey.

 Kate's best friend, Mia. 

 Neighborhood friends.

 The loot afterwards. So much candy after only an hour on foot. 

 Their favorite part: sorting and trading afterwards.